A Guide to Microscope Ergonomics

A Guide to Microscope Ergonomics

Learn about ergonomic microscope design and how you can increase your well being and productivity when working in clinical microscopy. Read about different aspects of ergonomics, get an overview of ergonomic clinical microscopy solutions, and download our PDF guide for a more in depth overview.

  • Ergonomic Challenges in Microscopy
  • Key Aspects of Ergonomic Design in Clinical Microscopy
  • How to Optimize Microscope Ergonomics
  • Ergonomic Microscopy Solutions

Extensive use of microscopes in clinical settings often leads to occupational injuries, as evidenced by medical studies and data. More than 77% of users report musculoskeletal discomfort, predominantly experiencing pain in the shoulders, neck, and back. These conditions are notably prevalent among professionals in microbiology, cytology, hematology, and pathology, who may endure fatigue due to prolonged periods of sitting in uncomfortable positions and managing complex microscope controls. Given this, ergonomics is a critical consideration in selecting microscopes for clinical laboratories, where technicians and researchers typically spend several hours each day engaged with these instruments.1

Ergonomic Challenges in Microscopy

Ergonomic Posture for Microscope Use

Many common ergonomic issues in microscopy stem from insufficient viewing heights, causing users to adopt awkward postures. Even with a correct sitting posture at the worktable, most users struggle to comfortably access the eyepieces of traditional laboratory microscopes. This often results in users extending their necks forward, overusing the muscles in the back and neck, and compressing the front of the neck joints. This continuous strain prevents muscle rest, leading to increased fatigue and pain1.

Inadequate support for the lower arms can lead to discomfort and clumsy microscope operation. Other issues include tension in the back and head muscles and inefficient operation of controls due to users maintaining a wide arm position.

Investing in ergonomic enhancements for clinical microscopy workplaces offers substantial benefits, such as increased productivity, improved quality of work, reduced staff turnover, and reduced sick leaves.

Key Aspects of Ergonomic Design in Clinical Microscopy

Ergonomics is essential in clinical microscopy to ensure healthcare professionals can perform their diagnostic duties comfortably, efficiently, and safely. Key aspects of ergonomic design include:

Ergonomic Aspect

Examples

Instrument Design

  • Adjustable heights, tilts, and eyepiece positions
  • Proper alignment of eyepieces and customization of interpupillary distances
  • Eyepieces with adjustable diopters

Lightning and Illumination

  • Adjustable brightness controls
  • LED illumination solutions can offer a natural and consistent color temperature, reducing eye strain even at lower brightness levels

Stage Controls

  • Placement of stage controls
  • Controls which are easily accessible and designed for smooth operation

Documentation and Imaging

  • Standalone imaging system, which reduce need for continual switching between the microscope and a connected computer

Workplace Seating and General Training

  • Chairs with adjustable heights, lumbar support, and armrests
  • Proper ergonomic techniques and posture

How to Optimize Microscope Ergonomics

How to Optimize Microscope Ergonomics

Here are four steps you can take right away to make your microscope setup more ergonomic:

  1. Set up your chair properly. Aim for an upright straight sitting position with adequate lumbar spine support. Your arms should be resting on the table with the instrument controls (focus, stage, and light, etc.) comfortably within reach of your hands.
  2. Bring the instrument close to the edge of the desk. This allows for a relaxed viewing position and eliminates the need to bend forward towards the eyepieces, which puts strain on your neck, shoulders, and spine.
  3. Adjust the viewing tube and headpiece. Adapting the angle, height, and distance of the binocular eyepieces to achieve a horizontal viewing angle. If necessary, you can rotate the eyepieces too. For eyeglass wearers, adjust diopter correction or eyeglass protection.
  4. Allow for body and arm mobility. Even in the optimal working position, the human body feels less fatigued when being able to have some freedom of movement/repositioning.

Ergonomic Clinical Microscopy Solutions

With ergonomic challenges and key aspects of ergonomic design covered, let’s explore how these aspects translate into solutions specifically designed for clinical microscopy. See how different features enable increased comfort and productivity.

ZEISS Axioscope 5
ZEISS Axioscope Family
ZEISS Axiolab 5
ZEISS Axiolab 5

Fields of Application

  • Biomedical Research
  • Human & Veterinary Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Plant Sciences & Botany
  • Forensics
  • Histopathology
  • Cytology
  • Hematology
  • Microbiology
  • Cytogenetics
  • Food & Agriculture
  • Andrology & Gynecology

Typical Samples

  • Bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites
  • Fibers, hair, paint, vaginal swaps, sperm
  • Histological tissue, body fluids
  • Plant cells, algae, sections, crops
  • Tissue, cells, organisms
  • Bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites
  • Beer, wine, cheese, meat, crop, soy, starch
  • Blood smears, bone marrow smears, cytospins, tissue samples
  • Fine needle aspirations
  • Gynecological smears, semen
  • Histological tissue from e.g. organs
  • Pap smears, body fluids (e.g. urine, sputum, pleural fluids)

Contrasting Techniques

Brightfield, Darkfield, DIC, Fluorescence, Phase Contrast, Polarization

Ergonomic Features

Adaptable Ergophototubes, Low-Friction Stage, Face-to-Face Co-Observation, Smart Microscopy Concept, Light Manager, Dual Specimen Holder

More Information

Ergonomic Features in Detail

  • ZEISS Adaptable Ergophototube

    Adaptable Ergophototubes

    Remain comfortable and maintain an upright body posture during long microscopy sessions. The adjustable ergophototubes enable you to modify the eyepiece height and angle to match your natural posture. Enjoy a tilting range from -2 to +28°. And with a field of view of up to 25 mm, you see a > 20 % larger area compared to the conventional 22 mm field of view.

  • ZEISS Low-Friction Stage

    Low-Friction Stage

    A fast and easy-to-turn stage enhances your speed during microscopy operation and reduces strain in your hands. Adjust the height of the stage drive to let your hands rest comfortably on the table. Fine-tune the stage friction control for smoother movements with minimal effort.

  • Face-to-Face Co-Observation

    Face-to-Face Co-Observation

    Multidiscussion and co-observation systems are indispensable tools for lab training, consultation, and education. Enhance the quality of your results by discussing them with your colleagues who see the same image in full detail. Flexible setup options allow for space-saving solutions that adapt to your room or table requirements. An integrated light pointer allows you to highlight interesting details in the specimen.

  • ZEISS Smart Microscopy Concept

    Smart Microscopy Concept

    By pressing a single button on your stand you can save images or videos directly to a storage medium – without needing a PC or additional software. Acquired images look exactly as you see them through your eyepieces, detail-rich and in true color. This also works for overlayed multichannel fluorescence images: the system automatically adjusts exposure time and acquires the image for each channel. Your images are automatically stored with all metadata of the microscope and camera, as well as scaling information.

  • ZEISS Light Manager

    Light Manager

    The light manager automatically adjusts the illumination to provide uniform brightness at all magnifications. You don't need to manually adjust lamp brightness when changing objectives, saving time and reducing eye fatigue.

Downloads

Download the guide or explore our ergonomic solutions for clinical microscopy in more detail



    • ZEISS Axiolab 5

      Your Smart Microscope for More Efficient Routine Lab Work

      3 MB
    • ZEISS Axioscope 5

      Your Smart Microscope for Biomedical Routine and Research

      5 MB



Not all products are available in every country. Use of products for in vitro diagnostic procedures or purposes may be limited by local regulations. Contact your local ZEISS representative for more information. EN_41_013_328 | CZ 09-2024 | Design, scope of delivery and technical progress subject to change without notice. | © Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide/on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or professional services. Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH does not assume any liability for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this guide/on this website. The information is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to any specific individual´s medical condition. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problem or disease. Always consult with a licensed medical professional or health care provider to seek personal medical advice.


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